Archived Entry

These two words, hybrid and SUV, are not commonly put next to each other or even mentioned in the same sentence. The term hybrid SUV would have turned heads and crossed eyes not too many years back, but now it has become a reality.

This fall, full sized, high horse power hybrid SUV’s will be made available to the general public. Such models as the Chevrolet Tahoe and the GMC Yukon will be put on the market with an estimated full-efficiency of 25% over previous models. Putting their average gas mileage at about 20 miles per gallon.

Part of the improved gas mileage comes from the management off the two electric motors and the 6.0-liter vortex V8. During in city driving, about 75% of the power comes from the electric motors and 25% comes from the V8. On the highway about 75% of the power comes from the V8 and 25% comes from the electronic motors.

In stop and go traffic the V8 is usually stopped and the two electric motors are relied on for power. Once a steady speed of about 50 MPH is reached 4 cylinders are deactivated and the gas engine acts as though it were a V4.